Stephen F. Lynch: . the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from massachusetts rise? mr. lynch: i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to house resolution 370 as amended. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk will report the title of the concurrent resolution. the clerk: house resolution 370, expressing support for

Stephen F. Lynch: designation of april 27, 2009 as national healthy schools day. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. lynch and the gentleman from nebraska, mr. fortenberry, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from massachusetts. mr. lynch: thank you, madam spear. i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five

Stephen F. Lynch: legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks. wofmente. the gentleman is recognized. mr. lynch: i yield myself such time as i may nsume. madam speaker, in the coming months we will address critical areas in the areas of energy, health care. national healthy schools days

Stephen F. Lynch: promotes changes and i'm pleased to present the amended version of house resolution 370 for consideration. this legislation expresses the support of congress for the goals and ideals of national healthy schools day. house resolution 370 was introduced by representative paul tonko on april 27, which is

Stephen F. Lynch: the day that national healthy schools days is annually commemorated. the measure has support of over 50 members of congress and has met approval by the committee on oversight and government reform. i'm sure you will agree it is important to ensure that our public schools are places that advance intellectual growth and

Stephen F. Lynch: provide healthy environments for our children to learn and to thrive. the environmental protection agency estimates that only 22% of public schools in america have effective indoor air quality management programs. more stringent regulation of indoor air quality in public schools would protect students

Stephen F. Lynch: against dangers, environmental hazards such as carbon dioxide, radon and asbestos. the national healthy schools day initiative encourages new efforts to combat these hazards and limits the prevalence of asthma triggers that have been report todd account for more than 14 million missed schools

Stephen F. Lynch: days each year. steps to improve the indoor quality of our public schools should work in conjunction with efforts to make our schools more energy efficient through the use of new ventilation systems and construction of high performance, so-called green schools, we can make certain that our educational facilities are using less energy while

Stephen F. Lynch: providing a healthier environment for our students. through efforts to enhance healthy environments within our school systems, we can improve educational environments as well. improved energy efficiency in our schools will reduce energy costs and allow more resources be devoted to other areas, such as hiring new teachers and

Stephen F. Lynch: the acquisition of new educational tools. madam speaker, the health and well-being of all american students is paramount. therefore, let us take one step forward in providing a quality -- high quality learning environment for our children by expressing our support for the